Amelia Island

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Visit this scenic island that offers sandy beaches, ports, seaside resorts and two state parks just off the coast of mainland Florida.

Amelia Island is a small section of land with beaches, ports and picturesque natural scenery off the east coast of mainland Florida. The area is known as a barrier island because it runs parallel to the coast and is separated by only a narrow stretch of water. On the island you can visit some of the state’s most recognizable attractions, including Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch State Park. There’s also 13 miles (21 kilometers) of sandy beaches.

Stay at one of the luxury resorts along Amelia Island’s coasts. Enjoy the panoramic views of the sparkling blue ocean. With luck, you may catch sight of dolphins and a white whale. 

Visit the port town of Fernandina Beach on the northern part of the island. Learn about some of the area’s early Native American inhabitants and Spanish settlers that arrived in the 1800s. Get around on foot to experience the relaxed atmosphere of this laid-back town. Visit galleries and charming cafés in Fernandina Beach center.

Go camping in Fort Clinch State Park. The nature reserve consists of 1,400 acres (570 hectares) of scenic parkland surrounding Fort Clinch. The brick fort dates back to the mid-1800s and now features reenactments of life during the Civil War.

Relax on the sandy shore of Main Beach Park, one of the most popular spots on the island for sun, sand and sea. Join in volleyball or other public activities on the beach and let the kids play on a playground. Make your way to Burney Park to explore the sand dunes. Cross the dune walkover path for picturesque views of the dunes and the ocean.

Find Amelia Island northeast of the city of Jacksonville. Take a 30-minute taxi ride from Jacksonville International Airport or rent a car. Shuttle services to and from the airport are organized by some resorts in the area. From the center of Jacksonville it’s a 33-mile (53-kilometer) drive to Amelia Island.

Where to stay in Amelia Island

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American Beach

If you're spending some time in American Beach, American Beach and Spanish Quarter Village are top sights worth seeing.

American Beach
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Ocean Cay

When in Ocean Cay, you can plan a visit to Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park and Amelia Island Lighthouse, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ocean Cay
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Fernandina Beach Historic District

The stunning beaches and island views are just a few highlights of Fernandina Beach Historic District. Make a stop by Blue Door Artists or Island Art Association Gallery while you're exploring the area.

Fernandina Beach Historic District
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Heron Oaks

While there might not be top attractions in Heron Oaks, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Omni Amelia Island Resort Golf and American Beach.

Heron Oaks
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American Beach Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in American Beach Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit American Beach and Omni Amelia Island Resort Golf.

American Beach Historic District
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
2.5 out of 5
1997 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is CA $117 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $117
CA $131 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,790 reviews)
"The location was great."

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 2024

Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Omni Amelia Island Resort
4 out of 5
39 Beach Lagoon Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is CA $222 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $222
CA $311 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Should have better lighting around the pool and walkways. It is very dark around the steps at night. I would be weary of anyone elderly or young children walking around in the evening. Very hard to see. Other than that, we had a great time."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Omni Amelia Island Resort
Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island
Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island
3 out of 5
2707 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is CA $169 per night from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8
CA $169
CA $189 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"We really enjoy our stay here. The staff was very friendly. The only negative was when leaving the room, the door would not lock."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
3.5 out of 5
111 Vintage Wy, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernandina Little Theatre and Egan's ...
7/10 Good! (19 reviews)
"The property was very clean and modern both inside and outside, but the particular unit we rented was on the third floor. We did not enjoy climbing three flights of stairs 3 to 4 times per day. and the bedroom and living room windows faced a very busy and noisy street."

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2024

Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Studio Unit
Studio Unit
Fernandina Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (267 reviews)
Beautiful Place
"This was a beautiful place and we enjoyed staying here. But there was not a stove which we would have liked."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

Studio Unit
The Terraces #305-Ocean View! | 1 Bed, 1 Bath
The Terraces #305-Ocean View! | 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Fernandina Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Fernandina Beach Main Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews)
Not just the messily hotel room the made it look like
"The listing just shows the bedroom. I thought it was a messily hotel room with dorm fridge microwave and community laundry equipment. The room is far from that. The room is a bedroom with a small flat screen, separated by a bath with a bathtub and shower. A separate living room with sofa bed and ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 10, 2024

The Terraces #305-Ocean View! | 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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